Humboldt Broncos athletic therapist Dayna Brons has become the 16th casualty of Friday’s fatal crash involving the junior hockey team’s bus.
Her family issued a statement through the Saskatchewan Health Authority on Wednesday afternoon, saying Brons died “peacefully” in hospital.
“The family of Dayna Brons would like to share that Dayna passed away peacefully this afternoon as a result of her injuries. She was surrounded by those she loved and those who loved her,” the statement read. “Dayna will be forever remembered for her joyful smile, and her passion and love of sport. She was the Athletic Therapist for the Humboldt Broncos and was extremely proud to be part of the Broncos family.”
Twenty-nine people were on the Broncos team bus, which was travelling to Nipawin for a playoff game against the Hawks on Friday evening, when the bus was hit by a semi on Highway 35 near Tisdale.
Brons, who was from Lake Lenore, Sask., suffered serious head trauma and had undergone two surgeries. She had also been on a breathing apparatus and was in an induced coma.
“Dayna’s family would like to thank the first responders, emergency staff, and all those who have cared for Dayna over these last few days for their support. And, they would like to thank everyone across Saskatchewan and Canada for their love and prayers during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
Brons, who graduated from the University of Regina with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Studies and earned an advanced certificate in Athletic Therapy at Mount Royal University in Calgary, joined the Broncos in 2016, according to media reports.
She was also a trainer for the Saskatchewan SWAT lacrosse organization.
“The Saskatchewan SWAT Lacrosse Club would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Brons family during this heart-breaking time,” the team, which is planning to hold a flower ceremony and a moment of silence at an exhibition game Saturday in Saskatoon, wrote in a statement.
Brons was one month shy of her 25th birthday.
--- with files from The Canadian Press
Correction: An earlier version of this story stated Brons was 25. She was 24. We regret the error.
